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Figures from the Bureau of Statistics show that theft and burglary are the most common offences committed by young people. An important study published in the journal Youth Justice interviewed 50 children between the ages of 11 and 17 who had committed burglary. The study showed that the children rarely planned burglaries, but rather decided to burgle on the spur of the moment with a group of friends, to steal food or drugs, out of boredom or while drunk or high. The time spent selecting the target was minimal. Most groups chose an
empty home (one with no cars in the driveway). This was tested by one child knocking on a door. The children saw something they wanted through the windows or in the garden. The reason why they burgled was out of need rather than greed. Eight of the fifty children only stole fresh food from the fridge and frozen or tinned items to take home to family. When asked why they stole, one child said: I had nothing to eat. Another said: I got stuff from the freezer. I go for the food, but I didn’t take anything else. Other stolen items included money, drugs, jewellery, food, and mobile phones. Most kept the items or gifted them to friends or family. Items that were not kept were sold to drug dealers. Many reported stealing to get drugs or the
money to buy drugs. Others burgled because they were intoxicated. The majority were opportunistic burglars. So called “searchers” said that they would roam the streets looking for a house. Although the intention to burgle was present, planning was minimal.
The lives of these children were often chaotic. Most were not attending school regularly, if at all. Most learned to burgle from family members. Most committed burglaries in groups with friends (78%) or family members (10%). These findings strongly support the case for measures to address the underlying behaviours that contribute to criminal behaviours. We need holistic interventions that address the disadvantages that drive children to burgle.
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